From Elite to Everyday: A History of Pimento Cheese Independent Weekly

Pimento cheese is the iconic spread of the South, but have you ever wondered how it came to be so popular? Over at the Independent Weekly, Emily Wallace — who wrote her master's thesis on this mix of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and pimento peppers — tells a brief but fascinating history of pimento cheese.

In the early 1900s, when cheese and imported pimento peppers were expensive, pimento cheese sandwiches were considered a delicacy served at tea parties. Once Kraft began selling the first processed cheese and Southern farmers began growing pimento peppers, the spread became more affordable and popular, while still retaining its upper class image.

Interestingly, in the Piedmont region of the Carolinas, pimento cheese was considered work food, as the textile mills in the area sold sandwiches to employees, and tasty, affordable pimento cheese sandwiches were a staple.

Read the full article for the complete history of this iconic Southern spread!

• Check it out: A brief history of pimento cheese

Do you have a favorite recipe for pimento cheese?

(Image: Flickr member palmetto cheese licensed under Creative Commons)

Comments (8)

Your recipe is way too fancy for me. My mom still makes this all the time in the summer. We just use cheese, mayo, pimento, salt, pepper, garlic. I still think its the best pimento cheese I've ever had.

Agreed, sandyliz. All you need is a good mix of sharp and mild cheddar freshly grated. Also, it makes the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches to go along with chili in the winter!

In my sweet south, pimento cheese is kind of a religion! Other than Palmetto, there is only homemade! http://www.southernbellesimple.com/2011/03/anti-recipes-homemade-pimento-cheese.html

Ha I just realized the image you used is of Palmetto! Love it!

This is way classier than what my grandma makes, she uses Velveeta - absolutely vile.

I love pimiento cheese because it reminds me of childhood - I grew up in the Philippines where it's also common (and it is called cheese pimiento). Here is my favorite recipe: http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/cheese/pimiento-cheese

I have never had this... but I have always wanted to... maybe this weekend!!

Callie's in Charleston, SC makes an incredible pimento cheese... available by mail and in certain gourmet shops (like mine!). The spicy is the best one, we have it with sweet hot pickles and baguette!
http://www.calliesbiscuits.com/products/pimento-cheese